“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.”

“Life is available only in the present moment. If you abandon the present moment, you cannot live the moments of your daily life deeply.”

Do you find yourself dwelling in the past or future? Is it difficult to stay in the present moment? Like you want to be all there, your worries and anxieties won’t let you. Let us tell you that you are not the only one. 

However, we all know it isn’t a good place to be. By constantly thinking about yesterday or tomorrow, we cannot make the most of today’s gift. Being present in the present is essential to experience true happiness, joy, and peace. 

It is beneficial not just for you and your mental wellness but for your loved ones too. Being present helps you live to the fullest, be aware of your surroundings, and be there for your loved ones. In addition, it leads to greater happiness in your life because you automatically give your best personally and professionally. 

This article will help you live in the present and become mindful of your thoughts and emotions. Here’s how with small steps, you can start living in the present:

1. Be grateful for your present

Only when you realize how precious the present is will you take steps to make the most of it. And it is well said that a part of living in the present is being grateful for it. So write a list of all the things you are grateful for and review it daily.

2. Accept things as they are

Most of the time, our thoughts are dictated by the experiences, worries, and anxieties of the past and future. Therefore, It is important to let go of these unwavering thoughts and accept the present. It does not mean not taking strides for a promising future but realizing that not everything is under your control. 

3. Live life one moment at a time

Life takes place in moments, so the best way to deal with it is one moment at a time. The approach should be one thing at a time. Trying to juggle everything constantly will leave you nowhere. Past and present exist as thoughts, so we cannot deal with them; the only way is to focus on the given moment.

4. Bring in necessary small changes

Why bring in change? Most of the time, we are set in our routine and way of life. And thus, being in the present can be difficult. Bringing change doesn’t mean overhauling your lifestyle completely. Instead, start with doable and small changes like changing your routine, your route to work, or how you introduce yourself.

5. Smile more often

Indulge yourself in activities and things that make you smile and lift your mood. Staying between people who make you feel good and uplift you, also help you stay happy. There’s also a theory of forcing yourself to laugh and smile when caught up in the past and future. It’s known to be an instant way to feel better.

6. Practice some mindful exercises to be in the present moment

Taking deep breaths, practicing journaling, meditation, visualizing your daily goals, physical exercises like yoga or a mindful walk through your favorite trail, and reviewing your day are some exercises you can do daily to fully live in the present. 

Lastly, 

7. Balance the thoughts of past, present and future

The reality is that we cant strip ourselves completely from thinking about the past and the future. So why not create a balance between the thoughts of the past, present, and future? How? Well, start by thinking about the past in small doses, focusing on it for the right reasons, like a pleasant experience or knowing when you went wrong. Think about the future in small doses but in a healthy manner. Like, think of how you can prepare for it but not think about its worries. And most importantly, stay in the present moment most of the time. This is how you can create a balance.